Thousands of Shia Devotees Participate in Mourning March Through Old Dhaka to Dhanmondi

A large-scale Tazia procession was held in Dhaka on Sunday, July 6, marking the holy day of Ashura with strict security arrangements in place. Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Media and Public Relations at Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), confirmed the event and the measures taken to ensure public safety.

The main mourning procession commenced at 10 a.m. from Hosaini Dalan in Old Dhaka, a historic center for Shia religious activities. Thousands of participants, predominantly from the Shia community, walked barefoot and chest-beating while chanting “Hay Hossein, Hay Hossein,” expressing their deep sorrow for the martyrdom of Imam Hossein.

The procession route passed through several key locations in the city, including Bakshi Bazar Lane, Lalbagh, Shahid Mazar Road, Azimpur, Nilkhet, Mirpur Road, Dhaka College area, Science Lab, Dhanmondi residential zone, the gate 4 area of Border Guard Bangladesh, and Sat Mosjid Road. The march concluded at the symbolic site of Karbala near the Dhanmondi lakefront.

Ahead of the procession, the DMP imposed a comprehensive ban on carrying sharp weapons such as swords, knives, scissors, spears, bows, and sticks during the march. The use of firecrackers and explosives was also strictly prohibited to prevent any untoward incidents.

The heightened security measures aimed to facilitate a peaceful and orderly observance of Ashura, a day of profound religious significance commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hossein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The authorities coordinated closely with community leaders to ensure the event was conducted with dignity and safety.

The procession not only served as a spiritual observance but also as a cultural tradition deeply embedded in the history of Dhaka’s Shia population. The careful organization and cooperation between law enforcement and participants underscored the city’s commitment to religious harmony and public security during significant religious events.